Cardinal freshman win

Newton freshman Jace Lukefahr (36) plows through the defense for a gain during Friday night’s season opener against Knoxville. The Cardinal freshman won 8-6 at home.

By Jocelyn Sheets
Daily News Sports Editor

Newton High’s freshmen opened the 2014 season with an 8-6 win at home over Knoxville Friday night.

Newton quarterback Garrett Sturtz found Carson Cazett for a seven-yard touchdown play in the second quarter. Jaron Roush pushed across the goal line for the two-point conversion.

The Cardinals held an 8-0 lead at halftime.

Knoxville’s Panthers scored late in the third quarter, but the Cardinal defense denied the Panthers on a two-point conversion attempt.

Newton made two big defensive stands in the fourth quarter to protect its 8-6 lead. The teams played in rain off and on throughout the game, which was delayed 30 minutes by a thunderstorm.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of the game,” said Trent Powers, NHS assistant coach. “We are really proud of the defense only giving up 99 yards to Knoxville and stepping up to make the play on Knoxville’s two-point try.

“Offensively we had a good night, now we need to improve our ball security and limit our penalties.”

Tristin Langmaid was the workhorse in the Cardinal ground game, rushing for 72 yards. Sturtz was 2-of-7 for 25 yards passing and Cazett caught both passes. The freshmen had 198 yards of total offense.

Defensively, Newton was led by Cazett with eight tackles and an interception. Alex Morris racked up five tackles and Roush had four tackles, plus forced a fumble. Trevor Ergenbright recovered a fumble.